Trivandrum International Airport is located 4km (2.5 miles) west of central Thiruvananthapuram (formerly Trivandrum), the capital of Kerala.

Airport code

TRV

Transfer between terminals

Terminal 1 is unused. Terminal 2 (domestic) and the newer International Terminal 3 are within walking distance of each other, there is no shuttle service.

Driving directions

Trivandrum International Airport is well signposted from the adjacent NH66 bypass. From Thiruvananthapuram, take Thakaraparambu Road and merge onto Enchakkal Westfort Road; then, turn onto the northbound NH66 bypass before exiting onto the airport access road.

Car rental

A number of local car hire companies offer self-drive or chauffeur-driven options from the airport. It is customary for visitors to India to rent cars with drivers owing to the country's difficult driving conditions.

Public transport and taxis

Bus: Kerala State Road Transportation (tel: (471) 246 3799; www.keralartc.com) bus 14 runs frequently between Trivandrum International Airport and the city bus terminal at East Fort (near the Padmanabhaswamy Temple). Tickets are cheap (around Rs10) but the buses are often very crowded and unsuitable for those carrying bulky luggage. The journey time into the city is around 30 minutes.Taxi: Taxis and auto rickshaws can be hired outside the terminals. Pre-paid taxis are also available, and can be booked at a counter in the arrival areas of the terminal buildings. The fare into the city is around Rs250 (air-conditioned taxis cost extra), and the journey time is approximately 20 minutes.

Car parking

Short- and long-term parking is available at Trivandrum International Airport; there are spaces for almost 300 cars at the domestic terminal and 700 at the international terminal.

Information and help desks

There are information desks in each terminal.

Airport Facilities

Money: Bank branches are available in the arrivals and departures areas of the international terminal.Communications: A post office is situated in the arrivals area of the international terminal. Internet access is available in each terminal. A telephone counter is available for international calls.Food: There are restaurants in the departures area of the international terminal as well as snack bars and tea and coffee vending machines.Shopping: A duty-free shop in the departures area of the international terminal has a range of goods, from confectionery to perfumes. In addition, shops selling books, gift items and mobile phones are located in each terminal.Luggage: Lost and found offices (tel: (471) 250 1591) can be found in each terminal. Free luggage trolleys are available for use by arriving and departing passengers.Other facilities: Trivandrum International Airport has dormitory accommodation and retiring rooms for transit passengers in the domestic terminal (Terminal 1). There are also mother and baby rooms, a medical centre and an on-site temple.

Conference and business facilities

There are no business or conference facilities at Trivandrum International Airport, but internet access is available in the terminals. The international terminal has a business-class lounge. Meeting facilities are available at larger hotels and resorts in the vicinity, including the luxurious Leela Kovalam (tel: (471) 305 1234; www.theleela.com).

Disabled facilities

Trivandrum International Airport offers special assistance and wheelchairs to physically disabled travellers. Disabled passengers requiring special assistance should notify their airline at least 72 hours in advance or ideally at the time of booking.

Airport hotels

There are no on-site hotels at Trivandrum International Airport, although there are rooms for those in transit. There is a low-cost bed and breakfast hotel within walking distance of the domestic terminal, but most other accommodation options are located in the city centre, some of which offer complimentary shuttle services to and from the airport.

Hotel HorizonHousing a range of dining facilities and meeting space, Hotel Horizon provides 3-star accommodation in the city centre. One of the restaurants is in the roof garden, and all rooms are air-conditioned.Thiruvananthapuram 695 014, Aristo RoadIndiaTel: (471) 232 6888.Web: www.thehotelhorizon.com

Hotel South ParkThe 82-room Hotel South Park offers a range of facilities, including a restaurant serving authentic Indian cuisine, a pub and a barbecue eatery. Conference space is available for up to 200 delegates.Thiruvananthapuram, MG RoadIndiaTel: (471) 233 3333.Web: www.thesouthpark.com

The Leela KovalamOn a cliff top overlooking the beach, The Leela is a top of the range international resort standard hotel. A variety of rooms and suites are complemented by a number of restaurants, spa facilities and extensive meetings and event spaces. It is located about 13km (8 miles) south of theThiruvananthapuram, IndiaTel: (471) 305 1234.Web: www.theleela.com

Hotel SAJ LuciaThe 4-star Hotel SAJ Lucia has an on-site health club, swimming pool and bar. Additionally, meeting space is available for business travellers. The hotel is just 5km (3 miles) from Trivandrum International Airport.Thiruvananthapuram, East FortIndiaTel: (471) 246 3443.Web: www.sajlucia.com

Sunday Bed and BreakfastClose to the beach as well as being within walking distance of the airport, Sunday Bed and Breakfast is a small establishment offering budget accommodation. Facilities are simple, but air-conditioned rooms are available and breakfast is included in the room rate.Thiruvananthapuram, Valiathura PostIndiaTel: (974) 695 7056.Web: www.sunday-bnb.com